The claim that bigger is better seems well founded in the case of the seasonal 11% Victory Old Horizontal Barley Wine. The visible sediment only adds to the density of its dark amber appearance. Following the early hop aromas, the full mouthfeel sensation soon reveals a flavor struggle for dominance between the hop bitterness and malts. The hops win out as the smooth supporting alcohol slowly comes through and produces a pleasant warming sensation on the roof of the mouth.
Reviewed by Tom Ciccateri -
February 2001
